Anonymous Children's Book Donation Prompts Giveaways in Half Moon Bay, Pescadero

Young readers in Half Moon Bay and Pescadero unknowingly received a mid-summer surprise when an anonymous donor recently bestowed 1,000 gently-used children's books to be given away to local youth.

"I initially thought I was getting 300 to 400 [books] and was delighted to find it was much more," said Half Moon Bay City Councilmember Marina Fraser, a friend of the donor who approached Fraser with the gift two weeks ago because of Fraser's involvement with the library and .

Fraser wanted to get the books into the hands of children right away — "so they would have some fun summer reading," she said.

With that in mind, Fraser called Annie Malley, Manager. Malley told Fraser that coincidentally, the San Mateo County Bookmobile was scheduled to be at the Saturday morning in Half Moon Bay.

"We both agreed that would be ideal," Fraser said.

Fraser and Malley sorted through the 1,000 books last Friday.

Children and their parents can come by to select their complimentary books from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the farmer's market located at Shoreline Station this Saturday, July 23.

Each child will be allowed to take home two books.

"There are picture books, books for young readers and books for teens," Fraser said.

Fraser and the Bookmobile will also be in Pescadero on July 27 for its from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

"A couple of friends have volunteered to help me [distribute the books]," Fraser said.

"We're looking forward to seeing lots of kids walking off with smiles and books," she said.

The Coastside Farmer's Market in Half Moon Bay runs from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. every Saturday from May through December at Shoreline Station (225 Cabrillo Hwy S). The Pescadero Grown! Farmer's Market is being held every Thursday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the Pescadero Elementary School (620 North Street) parking lot until November.

Click to see Half Moon Bay Patch's video of the San Mateo County Bookmobile's debut in Pescadero earlier this year.